What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease and one of the leading causes of blindness, making early detection and treatment essential. All forms of glaucoma involve damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When this nerve is damaged, vision loss can occur—and in many cases, it happens gradually without noticeable symptoms.

Because glaucoma often develops silently, any change in vision should be evaluated promptly by an eye care professional.

Causes of Glaucoma

Although there are several types of glaucoma and the exact cause varies, the condition is generally associated with impaired fluid drainage within the eye or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, occurs when the eye’s drainage system does not function efficiently. This leads to increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve over time.

Another form, angle-closure glaucoma, is less common but more urgent. It develops when the drainage angle between the cornea and iris becomes blocked, causing a sudden and dangerous rise in eye pressure. Without immediate treatment, angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss within a short period of time.

Other types of glaucoma may develop as a result of eye injuries, underlying medical conditions, abnormal eye anatomy, or long-term medication use.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing glaucoma and should prioritize regular eye examinations.

Age is a significant factor, with adults over the age of 60 facing a higher risk. The likelihood of developing glaucoma increases gradually with each passing year.

Ethnicity also plays a role. African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma at a younger age and experience more severe vision loss. People of Asian descent have a higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma, while individuals of Japanese descent are more prone to low-tension glaucoma.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease can increase glaucoma risk by affecting blood flow to the optic nerve.

Family history is another important factor. Having a close relative with glaucoma significantly increases your likelihood of developing the condition, suggesting a genetic component.

Corticosteroid use, particularly long-term use of steroid medications for conditions such as arthritis, lupus, or chronic inflammation, may also raise the risk of glaucoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma

A comprehensive eye exam is essential for detecting glaucoma, especially since symptoms may not appear in the early stages. During the exam, your eye care provider may measure eye pressure, assess corneal thickness, evaluate optic nerve health, examine the retina, and test for changes in your visual field.

When glaucoma is diagnosed early, vision loss can often be slowed or prevented. Treatment typically focuses on lowering intraocular pressure through prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of glaucoma.

If you have noticed changes in your vision or fall into a higher-risk group, speak with your eye doctor about glaucoma screening. Early diagnosis remains the most effective way to protect your vision.